Photo by Adrian Boyer
The classic, comic-strip inspired musical “Annie” has landed in Sonoma Wine Country and the little orphan is set to charm your socks off. The familiar characters and songs make for a comforting, foot-tapping, and fun play at Santa Rosa’s 6th Street Playhouse. Director Dwayne Stincelli has assembled a loving rendition of the musical that the whole family will enjoy.
You’ll find Annie in Ms. Hannigan’s orphanage, the only orphan who believes her parents are coming for her one day. Her adventures take her out into the streets of 1930s New York City to find her parents and lead her to a happy life with billionaire Oliver Warbucks.
Annie is played alternately by Natalie Rubin and Avonlea Martin. On opening night, we saw Natalie Rubin and she has a pleasant voice as well as the perfect cute-as-a-button look. Brenda Reed belts out her songs powerfully as Ms. Hannigan and you wouldn’t doubt her ire with little girls. Norman A. Hall has fun playing Oliver Warbucks and Bethany Neese’s Grace Farrell is clearly over the moon with both Annie and the billionaire. The ensemble of orphan girls was delightful and perfectly cheeky in their torment of Ms. Hannigan. Sandy, played by Casey the dog, isn’t quite a stage natural yet, but it was just opening night after all. It spread smiles through the audience to see Annie slipping her adopted pet treats for staying front and center with her.
The stage in the G.K. Hardt Theater evokes the simple, black and white comic strip background effectively and carries the
Photo by Adrian Boyer
scenes from the orphanage to the streets of New York City to Oliver Warbucks’ 5th Avenue mansion really well.
Musical Director Richard Riccardi leads a pleasing orchestra and was actually the Assistant Conductor on the Broadway show’s national tour in 1981-1982. With songs like “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” “Easy Street,” and the classic “Tomorrow,” you’ll be humming for days.
Annie August 13 – September 12 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Matinees
6th Street Playhouse – GK Hardt Theatre 52 West 6th Street, Santa Rosa 707-523-4185 www.6thstreetplayhouse.com
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